![Spotlight On Spirulina](http://www.rawliving.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/Raw_Living_Lifestyle_Spirulina_banner_c5c05954-08a1-49ce-bba1-8494a726c29b_1600x.jpg?v=1738220126)
Spirulina was one of the first superfoods we were introduced to back in the 80s, long before cacao, maca, reishi, goji berries, and all the other superfoods that are now part of our daily intake had crossed our paths. You could say Spirulina is the OG superfood!
There’s a good reason why it has remained popular for so many decades. With its dense nutrient profile, Spirulina is truly the food of the future.
Why Spirulina is the Future of Protein
Did you know that one cow provides enough protein (based on an average intake of 50g per day) for just three people annually? Even with intensive farming practices, each cow still requires 3 hectares of land (and 33 hectares if using regenerative farming!).
Now, compare that to plant-based protein sources:
• Soybeans: Just 0.169 hectares per person per year.
• Spirulina: An incredible 0.00869 hectares per person per year!
That means Spirulina can provide protein for 128 times more people than beef!
Just that statistic alone should be enough for every country to consider converting a portion of farmland to Spirulina farms.
Where Does Spirulina Come From?
China is the biggest Spirulina producer worldwide, but did you know that Spirulina from different countries has notably different tastes and textures? That’s why, in addition to our Raw Living Spirulina (from China), we also offer Auroville Spirulina from India, which has a gentler, nuttier taste.
Kate’s Visit to a Spirulina Farm in Bali
Kate recently visited a Spirulina farm in Bali to learn more about how it’s grown. Every day, the workers use a giant sieve to remove the algae from the pond. The algae is then put into a press to remove excess water—water that is then fed back to the plants!
What’s left in the press is a dense Spirulina “dough”, which is either:
• Sold fresh to local health food restaurants, or
• Dried at low temperatures and turned into Spirulina Crunchies.
To check if the Spirulina is ready to harvest, the farmers examine it under a microscope.The algae must be long and curly (spiralled) before it’s suitable for harvest. If it’s short or not curled, it’s not ready yet. So when you’re eating Spirulina, you’re literally eating spirals!
The Nutrient Powerhouse
Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, containing:
• High amounts of B Vitamins, essential for energy and brain function.
• More Iron than Spinach, making it a great supplement for plant-based diets.
• Omega-6 GLA fatty acid, which supports inflammation control and brain health.
How to Incorporate More Spirulina Into Your Diet
If Spirulina isn’t already part of your daily intake, we highly recommend finding ways to add it to your diet! Here are some easy options:
• Raw Living Spirulina Powder & Tablets– A convenient way to get your daily dose.
• Auroville Spirulina Crunchies – Perfect for sprinkling over salads.
• Greener Grass Green Powder Blend – A key ingredient for an extra nutrient boost.
- Sunseeds with Garlic & Spirulina - our addictive activated seed snack
- Spirulina Wraps & Pizza Bases from Wrawp
- Recipes from Kate's books – try Spirulina in:
- Dips (Broccoli Bonkers)
- Soups (Mermaid Soup)
- Sweet Treats (Kids Lifesavers)
We hope this post has inspired you to include more Spirulina in your diet! You can see more photos and videos of Kate's visit to the Bali Spirulina farm on her Instagram @katemagic. And let us know your favorite ways to enjoy it—we’d love to share your top tips.
Check out our full range of Green Superfoods here.